Monte-Carlo preparations in full swing

Preparations for the centenary edition of Rallye Monte-Carlo are progressing apace with fewer than 50 days to go before the Intercontinental Rally Challenge opener gets underway on January 18, 2011.

Last week representatives of Eurosport Events, the promoter of the IRC, and rally organiser Automobile Club de Monaco, undertook a reconnaissance of part of the competitive route that will form the first round of the 2011 IRC season.

During the visit they checked the various technical facilities required for the event’s extensive live television coverage, confirmed the camera locations, and also finalised some of the festivities and activities that will take place around the rally to mark the 100th anniversary celebrations.

Jean-Pierre Nicolas, the IRC’s Motorsport Development Manager, said: "It was a very successful exercise in close collaboration with the ACM. We visited several locations including Valence, where the rally starts, plus some of the stages including Entraigues and Col de Gaudissart, and I am pleased to confirm that all preparations for the rally are on target."